The VA loan assumption can be done by a non-va buyer, as long as that person selling does not use their VA loan benefits on their next purchase.

I personally found I’m good at it if it’s a simple job, normal easy walls, but hire out if its 2-story height, painting cabinetry, wood windows etc as they are a all a big pain.

If you're going to manage a GC, make sure to meet them in person and avoid paying for the entire job upfront (typically for smaller jobs, you will pay half upfront, and half at the end). 

I'll be around this weekend if you want to meetup and talk in person while you pass through. 

Lenders will always want to see you use some of your own money so that you have "skin in the game", so to speak.

One being that I personally needed liquid resources(cash).  

If it is under $100K, it is going to be hard for a person to get a mortgage. 

I know that, overwhelmingly, it's what you fill your head with that counts, it's the day-to-day actions you take, it's the spouse you marry, it's the systematic choices you make, and perhaps most importantly, the personal hypocrisy you don't allow yourself to get away with.

The person being interviewed had a marketing strategy using TV commercials (maybe billboards?)

As others have said house hacking is the best way to get yourself in the REI game.